We’re looking for investors to help us craft a new brewery tour experience

Craft beer maker Lough Gill Brewery is creating a new visitor experience in Sligo town. Founder JAMES WARD has worked in the pub, hospitality, distribution and brewing business in Ireland and the US. Lough Gill Brewery, which employs seven people, is open to investment through the State’s Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS), which offers tax relief for investors.

How is craft beer linked to tourism? Drinks tourism is very popular in the States and in Europe, with many places offering distillery or brewery tours. Ireland is just starting to get into this too, and with Sligo a centre for adventure tourism, a brewery visitor experience at our base in Cleveragh is a great addition to the business.

How’s the company doing?

The company is already profitable… We’re at the growth stage and have some business behind us so while this is our first fundraising, we’re not a new start-up – we have a proven brand and a strong proposition.

And your plans for the future?

The brewery is on a strong growth trajectory with its beers sold across Ireland in independent off-licences and through Tesco, Aldi, Centra and SuperValu. [Our] products are also sold into the US, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Spain and Italy.

How do you brew a good beer?

It’s about starting with quality ingredients, maintaining a clean brewing environment and managing fermentation carefully. Passion, creativity, and consistency are also essential.

What are the challenges with setting up a craft beer business? Equipment costs are significant. Other challenges include establishing distribution channels, maintaining consistency and quality during production, scaling, managing finances… and crafting recipes that are distinctive and well-received.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Starting a brewery in the west of Ireland had its challenges, especially in the early stages. There were times when finances were tight and making ends meet was a struggle.

Your biggest money mistake?

My biggest money mistake was probably initially underestimating the importance of cash-flow management. It was a valuable lesson, and I quickly learned the importance of careful financial planning and monitoring.

■ Mr Ward wants to raise €500,000 – with a minimum investment of €5,000, offering 4.5% per annum return plus tax relief under the EIIS initiative. The investor gets 40% tax relief on the investment so €1,000 invested costs €600. Tax relief is also available on non-earned income such as dividends and rental income. Investors should also be aware that there may be risk involved.

For details, email: accounts@loughgillbrewery.com